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Today I get to review a couple items from Born Primitive. Definitely a company that focuses on the functionality of their products. I got to wear and workout in the capris and the snatch shorts.

I loved the capri design! They have a great cut with a low enough waistline to sit just below the hips, but high enough for "no show" squats. Great combo!! The camouflage is a nice subtle print, but my favorite part is the logo down the leg. I don't know why more companies don't do that, it is such a cool look. These are my go-to pants, durable and wash great. They stay put for a run, a squat, double unders and even at the heaviest sweat point are not see through.

Next is the ladies snatch shorts. Definitely a functional part of the wardrobe! If you have ever hit yourself with a bar doing a snatch, you will be an instant appreciator of these shorts, they do what they are supposed to do for sure. Like the capris they have great logo placement, and the perfect waistline cut. For those who love shorts, they will be your favorite. I wish the padding was removable so that after snatch you could just wear them as shorts, but I am sure there is great reasoning for that with the durability and placement. I have used them and love them, and hopefully they will eventually make them in a capri. (hint hint ;) Until then I will happily rock these on snatch days.

Up next is an awesome piece of equipment that
we have had in our gym for the last 3+ months. The piece of equipment that I am
referring to is the Stud Bar.

There are a couple of things that right off the bat I would like to point out.
They haven't just made one size fits all and hope that works for you. They make
three different sizes; they have their small size that is designed for an 8
foot ceiling, they have their standard size that is made for a 9 foot ceiling
and then they have their large size which is made for a 10 foot ceiling. It is
an excellently constructed piece of equipment. I have done a ton of pull-ups and
other related movements with this piece of equipment and it is extremely
durable.

The material used is 12 gauge steel and has a 600 pound weight capacity. It
stretches 48 inches, wide allowing for wide grips.

For most of you that know me know that I'm not the most mechanically inclined.
As a matter fact, there are times that when I'm putting equipment or things
together I get frustrated and tools begin flying across the garage

From start to finish, it took me about 15
minutes to completely install this piece of equipment. In my opinion the
1.25" diameter bar that is used for the actual part of doing the pull-up
is the perfect size.

Let me just be clear with my feelings about this product; it’s superior,
durable and well constructed. As for their website, you can purchase it for
$140 to give you instruction on how to put together a gives you a variety of
different exercises that you can do.

So as you can tell, Stud Bar gets a solid A+ with us and anything that they
produce in the future is something that we will support as long as they
maintain their same high standard of quality!

I am so unbelievably pumped and
excited to bring this next piece of equipment to our readers. Just a few months
ago, we received the Assault Air Bike at our doorstep. Within a few hours, I
had that thing put together and ready for the evening WOD. I have visited other
CrossFit gyms that sang the praises of the Assault Bike. I remember when we
visited Paris, France and got a tour of the CrossFit Louvre. The owner had told
me that he had just done a squat / Air Assault Bike workout. He went on to tell
me that it was one of the best workouts for the legs. So that evening I did a
workout of:

10 squats at 95 pounds
10 cal assault bike
10 Rounds for time

This crushed my legs to say the least. I walked around for two days looking
like a drunken fool. That's how I knew right away that this was an awesome
piece of equipment. Since then, Heidi and I have included the Assault Bike in a
ton of our workouts. It is also an item that is regularly used for warm-up as
well. I have used rowers since starting CrossFit four years ago, but in my
personal opinion, if you were to ask me which one would you choose I would pick
the Assault Bike over a rower.

This product is well built, has a full digital display on it, and you can sync
it with the Bluetooth heart rate monitor.

The people at LifeCORE Fitness have truly hit a homerun with this piece of
equipment and understand it is more than just a wind bike.

You will not be disappointed in the least with this product, for there is not
one negative thing that I could say about it. If you're looking for something
to add to your home gym or your local BOX, this is the product! Assault Bike
scores an amazing A+.

Three weeks ago, we received a shipment from TuffWraps.com.
Before I go any further, let me start by saying that we have been CrossFitting
for well over four years and I have done a ton of Olympic lifting during that
period of time. In that time, I have only used the elastic wraps which provide
some support, but absolutely nowhere near the support that Tough Wraps provide.
The elastic wrap material allows you to slam them on your hands quickly but the
material of these things are made out make sure there is no give and provide
superior support to your wrists. I have worn them during push press overhead
squats and snatches and I am completely blown away by the support that they
provide. The amazing feeling is that it is almost like a platform underneath
your lift which just allows you to concentrate on pushing through with the arms
and shoulders.

They have a variety of different patterns for those of
you that like to have your reps with a little flare to them. The thumb wrap and
string design allows you to send down your reps very quick. And to top it off,
their logo is red, white and blue, sporting a patriotic panache which, as you knows;
I absolutely love anything with the American flag in it!

I'll let you know right now you will not be disappointed
with the Tough Wraps product. They're high-quality (strong and firm) material
prevents any give while throwing heavyweight up over your head. We here at
WODville give them solid marks all around! And for what it matters, this will be
my primary wrist wrap from now on.

From Tuff Wraps Web Site:

TuffWraps have taken the “old school” wrist wrap design and kicked it up a notch! We have created a newer and easier way to use wrist wraps.

How are TuffWraps different?

We have over 40 years experience in Industrial Sewing.

Designed to provide superior wrist support.

A special fabric blend has been chosen to provide optimal, structure and function to its design.

Offers a thumb loop design for quick application.

Reinforced Stitching .

Durable, washable cloth wraps.

Twist to tighten and/or loosen to desired support.

Comfortable to use throughout any workout.

Used by all types of athletes in the fitness industry

Made in the USA.

TuffWrap your way to a stronger you….Simply loop, wrap, twist and DO WORK!TUFFWRAPS.com

A few weeks ago we received the
WODmaster 20lb Weight Vest, sent to us by Fitness Sanctum. Fitness Sanctum is a
new distributor of CrossFit equipment, apparel and accessories, and, from
everything that we can see, they're doing it right.

In the past, I've used basic
weighted vests that fit more simply like an actual vest. Those prior vests
would bounce and slide all over the place if you were trying to do any other
movements other than pull-ups or your running. So when they asked us to do a
review on this product I was a little skeptical but was willing to give it a
shot nonetheless.

I've now worn this product for five
workouts and, during those workouts, it was performing movements such as box
jumps, burpees, running and other related movements that normally would've
caused the best vests to bounce around and be annoying and uncomfortable as if
it were an augmentation to my core. Simply put, this product is fantastic. The
way that the weight is distributed across your back and chest area, strapping
down firmly around your sides and over your shoulders, creates a firm fit and
allows you to use it while doing a variety of different and dynamic movements
with extra resistance.

Fitness Sanctum has been excellent
to work with and they have many other CrossFit style items that you can
purchase to add some spice your training. Fitness Sanctum has the
widest range of functional fitness products out there. From the
"traditional" crossfit equipment to the newer
products. They are a one-stop shop for functional
fitness, they offer quality workout apparel, workout gear, fitness
accessories, weights, kettlebells, sports-specific training devices, push sleds
and mobility gear. So you can truly outfit your box or garage gym from one
location. And if you are questioning about the product they offer
they stand behind their gear with a 365 day return policy! Bam that's awesome!
They also offer super competitive shipping rates!!

Now you may say adding 22 pounds to
your body isn't that big of a deal.. Let me assure you, good sir or madam, you
couldn't be less correct. Man, does this kick my butt. I've used it for a 10
minute WOD of burpees and box-jumps as well as during a much longer WOD with
running, pull ups and air squats, and both times, the drain was real.

So far our exposure with Fitness
Sanctum has been excellent and fantastic communication. The pricing on their
site is extremely competitive so for those of you that are box owners and for
those of you who are also building your own home Box, it’s a great place to
check out as well.

If this vest is any indication of
the other products that they have on their site, you will not be disappointed
with the rest. Fitness Sanctum scores a strong A+ with us.

This
is our first review! Keep an eye out! our next review with Fitness
Sanctum we will be doing a 5 minute WOD contest for a specific product
from their website!!! This will be awesome!!!

From
their website:

Don’t limit your challenges---challenge your limits!

Fitness Sanctum is much more than just your one-stop shop to get
the most out of your WODs---and look great while doing it. Sure, we’ve got
everything you need,---from the hottest workout apparel, to fitness gear that
helps you get that little extra from your workouts, and training equipment to help
you get that edge on the field or on the court. But we’re much more than that.

We’re about creating a community, if not a sanctuary for, those
who not only seek to make fitness a priority in their lives, but to
continuously improve and push past their limits…real and perceived. We’re about
giving those who relentlessly push past barriers in order to continuously
create, meet and exceed new goals, the support they need to become
accomplished.

Up next on our agenda is Extreme Valor Apparel.
Traditionally, there has always been a fun rivalry between firemen and police
officers. As a police officer, I have a great respect for my brothers that
drive the big red truck. From time to time we enjoy razzing one another but I
want to get right to it; whether its going into a house with a guy with a gun
or going into a house that's engulfed in flames, we both put our lives on the
line to protect others.

With all that being said, I want to take the time to
introduce our readers to Extreme Valor Apparel. Let me start off by saying that
some of their designs are absolutely awesome! There are new SEAL shirts that
they are in the process of rolling out and they have one of the best designs
I've seen in a long time.

Recently I received a pair of their shorts and a shirt in
the mail, and yes my law-enforcement brothers razzed me for wearing my fire
workout gear, but this is some awesome stuff.

The shorts are flexible, comfortable and aren't
restricting during any movements that I have used them in, i.e. squats,
Burpees, box jumps. I also love the full-size pocket that is on the side which
gives you the ability to put your wallet or cell phone or both in the shorts.

The shirt that I received has an awesome graphic on it as
you can see below and is soft, stretchy, movable and of excellent quality.

For all my firefighter buddies out there, you need to be
ordering early and often from these guys. But the cool part of their apparel
and gear is that they also make stuff in support of all first responders and
our military personnel. It is very apparent that they are extremely
patriotic,which scores big with us. A
lot of their product has red, white and blue/ American flag colors on it, and
they have other products that pay tribute to 9/11 and other areas of support to
our military.

Any company that shows loyalty and allegiance to their
country gaines my respect and support.

To our friends at Extreme Valor Apparel, keep the awesome
designs coming, because you score a major A+ from us, log onto their website
at: http://www.xtremevalor.com/

This week I was given the opportunity to sit down and talk with the collegiate athlete, Brad Hatfield, who just finished his senior year at the University of Sioux Falls. Brad is in the process of preparing for combines with the dream of playing professional football. There are a couple of things that are very intriguing about this young man; first and foremost is his strong faith, the second being his passion for the sport and his fitness.

Brad went to high school at Manteca High School and, as a Manteca Buffalo, he was a Valley Oak All-League Kicker and San Joaquin All-Region kicker. He converted 52 of 53 PAT's (Points After Touchdowns) and had a field goal of over 45 yards. He recorded 38 touch backs his senior year and also started as wide-out and cornerback. On top of this, He has been successful in kicking on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons and who knows we might be seeing him take on Sundays and Monday nights as well.

After that, he went on to play two seasons of junior college football at San Joaquin Delta College where he earned the title of NorCal Allstate and recieved All-Conference honors. Brad told me that after high school he began training "traditional style" which he explained was going to the gym and doing basic lifting all the time. He stated that he was getting stronger but was losing flexibility, something that is especially needed on the football field.

About three years ago he was introduced to Crossfit by Trainer Vince Carter. Vince is one of the owners and trainers at CrossFit 209 in Stockton, California. (See our article on Vince and 209 here VINCE CARTER REVIEW )

Brad trained with Vince a short time while he was an athlete at San Joaquin Delta College. It definitely gave Brad a taste of CrossFit and sparked his interest. Brad then ran into his buddy's Booie and Jarred Daniels who had already become big Crossfitters by the time he came home from school.

Brad said it wasn't only Booie and Jarred that have had a major impact on his life, but that their parents, Rodney and Teresa Daniels, played a vital role as well. He advised that Rodney and Teresa have been like second parents to him and have had a major impact on his physical training as well as on his bond with Christ.

I asked Brad what he thought the difference between traditional weight room training and CrossFit training was and his answer was very simple. While he was on the traditional route he was getting strong but he was noticing that it was affecting his flexibility, while CrossFit brought functional strength to the table.

Brad was very adamant about the fact that CrossFit has truly changed his mindset about fitness and believes that it has truly prepared him to play at the next level. He told me that whether or not he ever does play at the next level, CrossFit will be an active part of his life in the future.

Since he's been home from Christmas break he has been working out with Booie and Jarred at Alpha and Omega CrossFit. We here at WODville very much look forward to visiting Alpha and Omega and doing a review of their Box in the near future.

Brad is an awesome kid and we hope that he fulfills his dream of playing at the next level, but whatever this young man sets his mind to he will be successful. He has his priorities in line with his faith in God and has goals and aspirations to be successful in whatever he sets his mind to.

For those critics out there who think that our sport is simply a fad, here's another great testimony of an athlete that strongly attributes his success to the CrossFit gym and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you, Brad, for the time that you provided WODville.

I'm pumped to bring the readers of WODville
our next product; WOD Welder. WOD Welder made contact with us a few months ago.
We have done other hand care items in the past, and those products did well for
us, but WOD Welder brings an additional flair with their product with an
excellent cream and soap on top of their hand care.

We received a couple of their hand care kits
as well as a couple of bars of their natural Paleo bar soap.

First off, their hand care is a thicker,
heavier roll on balm. I have used it for a couple of cuts and it expedited and
increased the healing process. There are a couple of other areas that I used
the hand care for and that is after I got a tattoo about a month ago. I never
went and got the regular ointment that I normally use, I just used WOD Welder
balm on the tattoo and it went through the healing process to clean appearance
process much faster than any tattoo that I have ever had in the past! I'm also
one that shaves his head a couple times a week and I now use the Handcare on
the top of my head. It honestly has cut down on any razor burns or bumps
drastically. I absolutely love this product.

I also use the hand cream daily in the
morning after showering and it has an awesome smell. I often complain that at
the age of 43 I'm getting old man hands. I strongly believe that the hand cream
is addressing that drastically as well.

The last thing I want to talk about is the
Paleo soap bar. It is truly no exaggeration when I tell you this this, it is by
far the best bar of soap I have ever used. It keeps your skin feeling clean and
firm. They also smell super. After this bar of soap expires I will be
purchasing more in the future. I have been using the same bar for little over a
month now and it is just about done. For $10 a month, this is a great bar of
soap is invest. The special coconut oil mixture with peppermint and eucalyptus
essentials makes for an awesome bar of soap.

To the crew at WOD Welder you have a
fantastic product and we are excited to be on board with you guys. Keep the
awesome products coming!

I very
much look forward to products they come out with in the future. You will not be
disappointed!

Born Primitive
is the next company that we want to bring to our reader. I have been
crossfitting now for 4+ years and on those days that I’m pushing heavy Cleans
or Snatches, I dread it because I know that my waist is going to hurt for a day
or two. I love the two movements, but at the age of 43 it wears on you a little
bit.

That's
where Born Primitives Snatch Shorts come into play; they’re a custom
compression short fitted with flexible pad over the pelvic bone to protect
lifters.

Let me
just start by saying it's an excellently thought out product. The padding is
just the right amount to give you that little extra cushion of protection. I've
used it 5 to 6 times now in the process of workouts involving snatches and
cleans. This piece of equipment has not been a disappointment at all!

Owners
Bear Handlon, Matt Handlon, and Mike Handlon have done an excellent job in
coming up with a great product. But it doesn't stop there, they have some
awesome apparel as well on their sitewww.bornprimitive.com.

For
those of you that are Olympic lifters or CrossFit athletes, this piece of
equipment is definitely something to add to your gym bag. If I am going to go
heavy with my Cleans or Snatches, these shorts will be worn from now on! They
are also coming out with a women's version shortly!

The
other thing I noticed while using the shorts is that I'm able to train longer.
Instead of doing a simple 5 x 5 snatch or clean you're able to push longer.

The
$40 is an inexpensive investment into what you're going to get in return. These
Snatch Shorts get a solid A from us and I encourage you to logon and order yourself
a pair.

Product Description

The
Snatch Shorts fill a desperate need in the Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit
communities. For too long, many lifters have had to suffer through Snatch
because of the severe pain that can occur when the bar strikes the tip of the
pubic bone during the transition portion of the lift. Up until now, nothing has
existed to address this common issue. Many times, lifters will choose to
incorrectly bounce the bar off of their quadriceps in order to avoid the
painful bar strike in the pubic region. Other lifters become timid when the
weight becomes heavy because of the inevitable pain they know they are about to
experience.

You
cannot expect to PR your snatch if you have ANY reservations as you walk up to
the bar! Enter- Snatch Shorts.

Our
shorts have been designed and fine-tuned by avid Olympic lifters to protect
your pubic region. The flexible pad maintains a low-profile to ensure maximum
mobility while offering maximum protection. Snatch Shorts will add to a
lifter’s confidence because he/she will no longer have any reservations or
fear. Snatch Shorts are also great for coaches to use with less experienced
lifters when trying to teach the proper bar path because it provides an aiming
point for the athlete at the lift’s transition. These shorts can also serve as
your regular compression shorts for any other exercises you might have to
complete later in your workout, which is an important feature for all of our
CrossFitters out there. Next time you have to snatch, grab yourself a pair of
Snatch Shorts and PR WITHOUT THE PAIN!